Americas - Risk Forecast Q1/2018

The Americas are facing challenges in the first quarter of 2018 that are as diverse as the region itself.

In Colombia, the end of the ceasefire between the government and insurgent group ELN was followed by renewed acts of violence and sabotage and a heavy military response, hampering the fragile peace process in the country and potentially stirring public disapproval in the run-up to the presidential elections in May. With the opposition in disunion, controversial President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro has strengthened his political position, but with the steadily worsening economic and social situation, the country remains on the verge of becoming a failed state. Peru is also facing a difficult quarter, as discontent is growing after President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski avoided impeachment through a controversial deal that included a pardon of former President and convicted human rights violator Alberto Fujimori.

In tandem with growing discontent in several countries over austerity measures, the upcoming months could prove to be a challenge for security managers overseeing activities in the Americas.